Researchers discuss urgent response to new bacterial infection threat

As the northern regions of Australia brace for the wet season, a beacon of hope shines on the horizon for those concerned about the tropical disease known as melioidosis.

This potentially fatal infection, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in soil and water, has long threatened residents of these lush areas.

But now, thanks to the tireless efforts of researchers worldwide, a vaccine may soon be within reach.


Experts gathered in Darwin for the 10th World Melioidosis Congress to discuss the latest advancements in combating this silent killer.

Melioidosis can lead to severe health issues, including chest infections, breathing difficulties, headaches, non-healing skin sores, confusion, and joint swelling.

In the Northern Territory alone, the past year saw 80 people contract the disease, with five tragic fatalities.


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Melioidosis is a serious disease found in northern Australia and Southeast Asia, with growing concerns about its spread to other regions. Credit: Shutterstock


However, the collaborative spirit of the scientific community is bringing us closer to a solution.

Professor David Wagner of Northern Arizona University in the United States expressed optimism about progress.


'We are hopeful through a joint US-Australia collaboration that we'll be putting shots in arms up here in the Darwin area … in the next year or two,' he stated.

The Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin, a leader in melioidosis research, has been instrumental in these developments.

Senior researcher Mark Mayo highlighted that advancements in treatment have already improved survival rates for those infected.

The discovery of melioidosis in Mississippi, USA, has raised alarms about the disease's potential global spread.

This revelation has spurred efforts to search for the bacterium in other parts of the United States and beyond.


Back in Darwin, preparations for the wet season are underway with increased vigilance.

Professor Bart Currie from the Menzies School of Health Research emphasised the importance of early preventative measures, including adjustments to emergency department protocols and laboratory practices.

For those living in rural areas, particularly individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems, Professor Currie advised caution with bore water, suggesting bottled water or installing chlorinators or UV filters.

Construction workers are also being educated on the risks following incidents in Cairns where labourers fell ill.

The disturbance of soil during construction can propagate the bacteria, which can then be aerosolized by heavy rain and winds.


To protect yourself, minimising contact with contaminated soil and water is crucial.

Wearing gloves and closed-toed shoes while gardening, avoiding muddy waters during the wet season, or washing off any exposure immediately can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

As we await the vaccine rollout, these precautions are our best defence against melioidosis.

The dedication of researchers and health professionals gives us hope that soon, this disease will pose less of a threat to the health and well-being of Australians and people worldwide.
Key Takeaways
  • Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease endemic to northern Australia and regions of Southeast Asia, with recent concerns it is spreading beyond these areas.
  • Researchers from across the globe met at the 10th World Melioidosis Congress in Darwin to discuss advancements, including vaccine development.
  • There have been recent cases and fatalities due to melioidosis in the Northern Territory, prompting increased vigilance as the wet season approaches.
  • Health experts advise residents, particularly those with weakened immune systems, to use bottled or treated water and practise safe hygiene when in contact with soil and water to prevent infection.
How do you feel about melioidosis spreading to different places? What should be done to raise awareness in those areas? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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Never had covid and never been vaccinated and don’t intend to either,everyone I know who has been got covid anyway. My neighbour just had her sixth jab she’s 74 and she still got.
So my Body my life my choice.😊
It is your life choice and I'm sure if you get it you would stay away from others.

Amazing you haven't had it, are you around alot of people.

I've had it 3 times

1st time from one of my kids .. my daughter visited and had a bad headache turned out covid

2nd time attended a paint n sip

3rd from a baby shower .. mother inlaw of the host had it yet still attended
 
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Keep the scaremongering bullshit coming!
Look at the facts!
in 32 years there has been 128 reported cases.
4 cases a year.
Why is this even newsworth?

From 1989–2021 there were 128 patients with melioidosis in the Katherine region. 96/128 (75%) patients were First Nations Australians, 72/128 (56%) were from a very remote region, 68/128 (53%) had diabetes, 57/128 (44%) had a history of hazardous alcohol consumption, and 11/128 (9%) died from melioidosis.13 June 2022
My cousin died of this disease. He was in the army and in Darwin for exercises. The soldiers were made to dig fox holes and trenches which is where he contracted the disease. There were 14 soldiers in his ward, all with the disease. This was about 30 years ago.
 
It is your life choice and I'm sure if you get it you would stay away from others.

Amazing you haven't had it, are you around alot of people.

I've had it 3 times

1st time from one of my kids .. my daughter visited and had a bad headache turned out covid

2nd time attended a paint n sip

3rd from a baby shower .. mother inlaw of the host had it yet still attended
I don't think they would stay away. Afterall they are saying that the COVID is scaremongering so they would not say they had it because it doesn't exist. What bull...t.
 
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It is your life choice and I'm sure if you get it you would stay away from others.

Amazing you haven't had it, are you around alot of people.

I've had it 3 times

1st time from one of my kids .. my daughter visited and had a bad headache turned out covid

2nd time attended a paint n sip

3rd from a baby shower .. mother inlaw of the host had it yet still attended
That was nice of her,not,! I've been lucky so far and haven't had it although my daughter had it and also my late husband caught it while in hospital.
My son, daughter in-law and three children weren't immunised and have all had it four times????
Fools.
 
That was nice of her,not,! I've been lucky so far and haven't had it although my daughter had it and also my late husband caught it while in hospital.
My son, daughter in-law and three children weren't immunised and have all had it four times????
Fools.
My brother and wife and neighbour are all immunised all had it 3 times I’m not immunised never had it but I don’t consider myself a fool or them for having it so be nice, no point in name calling is there.😊
 
That was nice of her,not,! I've been lucky so far and haven't had it although my daughter had it and also my late husband caught it while in hospital.
My son, daughter in-law and three children weren't immunised and have all had it four times????
Fools.
Those who are not immunised will know it if they get it.

My Godmother didn't get vaccinated because she doesn't go out much and will still wear a mask out. Problem is you don't know you have it for a day or two. In this case her daughter visited her not knowing she had it.

Her mother is still in hospital RPA and still on oxygen because it turned into pneumonia. Her oxygen level is now 88.

Even though she is nolonger positive to covid I won't visit her due to me visiting my daughter in hospital

Each time I've had Covid it started with incredible sneezing and runny nose , then sore throat and body ache apparently this new one is the same but with an incredibly bad headache that last for days
 
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Conspiracy theorists will print anything to support their pea brained ideas.
They are all so brilliant, they know better than the medical profession, scientists, etc.
Just ask them, they'll tell you.
Afterall they read it on the internet, that makes them experts on the subject.
Yeh I live with one who believes everything he reads. He purchased these Hemp gumnies which said they help blood pressure and diabetes. THEY ARE GUMMIES even the label on the bottle was crooked and no ingredients abd this was all for $220 !!!!
 
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Reactions: BeautifulMousey
My brother and wife and neighbour are all immunised all had it 3 times I’m not immunised never had it but I don’t consider myself a fool or them for having it so be nice, no point in name calling is there.😊
I am immunised and have never had it. But I suppose it could be that I never get out of the house to be among other people. Was in the hospital before Laura died and at her funeral. Then I was out again to get my eyes tested and get Lexie desexed. That's my outings for the year. Just as happy home with my pets.
 
It is your life choice and I'm sure if you get it you would stay away from others.

Amazing you haven't had it, are you around alot of people.

I've had it 3 times

1st time from one of my kids .. my daughter visited and had a bad headache turned out covid

2nd time attended a paint n sip

3rd from a baby shower .. mother inlaw of the host had it yet still attended
And I guess they were all vaxed !
 
Never had covid and never been vaccinated and don’t intend to either,everyone I know who has been got covid anyway. My neighbour just had her sixth jab she’s 74 and she still got.
So my Body my life my choice.

Damn their making vaccines left right and center for everything atm !!
How can they now suddenly do that ??

what a load of BS people !
WAKE UP TO WHAT IS GOING ON !
I'd rather sleep through it thank you🤧
 

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